Brisbane soldiers in surf boat race of a lifetime

EIGHT Australian Defence Force members will take to the waters of Turkey in April as part of the two-day Gallipoli 100 Surf Boat Race.

Rising Suns crew members Captain Ben Vitale (left) and Captain Steve Madsen with the surfboat that will head to Turkey for the 'Gallipoli 100'.

AS the Anzac centenary rapidly approaches, patriotic Australians are planning everything from new memorials to special ceremonies in commemoration of the Gallipoli landing.

But Keperra’s Steve Madsen, a captain in the Australian Army, is doing something a little out of the ordinary.

Captain Madsen and seven other Australian Defence Force (ADF) members will take to the waters of Anzac Cove on April 21-22 as part of the Gallipoli 100 Surf Boat Race alongside teams from Turkey and New Zealand.

Teams from surf lifesaving clubs across Australia are taking part, including Coolum Beach SLSC.

“It’s indescribable to be part of something like this. It’s going to be very humbling,” Capt Madsen said.

He and his teammates, drawn from throughout Australia, will also use the race as an opportunity to raise funds for charities and not-for-profit organisations Soldier On, Legacy and the Urunga Surf Life Saving Club, with the goal of raising $150,000.

To donate, visit soldieron.giveeasy.org/campaigns/gallipoli-100-surf-boat-race/

For race information, visit www.gallipoli100.com.au